Advanced Tips for Older Hikers and Backpackers

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Advanced Tips for Older Hikers and Backpackers
This video is a follow-up to my video Tips for Older Hikers. It is geared primarily to older hikers within a month of setting off on their grand adventure. However, I am sure younger backpackers will benefit from watching this video. The ideas and training tips presented are suggestions. Please use them only as a guide, and adapt these tips to your peculiar age, health, and circumstances. I would love for this channel to become a place to encourage all hikers who face obstacles, whether old age or a physical difficulty, to set off on a grand adventure, recognizing that what qualifies as a "grand adventure" will look different to different people. Happy Trails, Everyone!
Here are some other videos to help ensure success on your long-distance hike:
Tips for Older Hikers: • Tips for older hikers
Stretches to Help Older Hikers Feel Strong: • Stretches to Help Olde...
Morning Stretches for Hikers: • Backpacker Stretching ...
Long Distance Hikers Stretches: • Backpacker Stretching ...
A Pacific Crest Trail Coddiwomple: • A Pacific Crest Trail ...
Tips to Stay Mentally Strong on the Trail Part 1: • Tips to Help Long Dist...
Tips to Stay Mentally Strong on the Trail Part 2: • Unbelievable Tricks fo...
Ode to an Older Hiker: • Watch this Inspiring S...
If you want to support this channel, please subscribe, hit notifications, watch other videos and comment. I strive to respond to all comments. You could also follow AKWild1 on Facebook. Also, I have links to outdoor products that have served me well. I promise I do not accept anything free from gear companies, nor am I sponsored in any way by a company. My opinions about gear and equipment are my own based on my experiences in the field. I want to remain impartial and maintain my integrity, which is critical to who I am. My recommendations are based on my experience. There are Amazon Affiliate links in the video description. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Here are some products mentioned in this video and links:
Nunn Hydration Tablets: amzn.to/3PdMzwy
Liquid IV Lemon Lime: amzn.to/3PbO6U5
Liquid IV Tangerine: amzn.to/3NwvAnT
Black Diamond Trekking Poles: amzn.to/43zbpvj
Here are the 12 advanced tips for older hikers who are within one month of setting out on a long-distance backpacking trip:
1) Work on Your Downhill Footwork
2) Work with Your Doctor to Evaluate the Risk of Hiking in Higher Elevations and Plan Accordingly.
3) Avoid Zeroes in Your Training Schedule Unless You Get Injured. Hike at least a mile or two each day.
4) Mix up Your Hiking Terrain and the Conditions in which you Hike.
5) Add Weight Gradually to Your Backpack after You Have Strengthened Your Trail Legs and Developed Conditioning.
6) No Rubber Lipping. Don’t Create High Public Expectations. Stay Humble When Talking About Your Ambitions in Front of Friends, Family.
7) Treat your Feet Like Royalty. Wash, Clean, Stretch, and Sing to Them if Necessary.
8) Practice Good Nutrition. Eat Fruits and Veggies, Good Protein.
9) Stay Hydrated.
10) Go to Bed Early, Awaken Early.
11) Implement a Stretching Routine.
12) Take Advanced First Aid, and Be Knowledgeable and Prepared to Deal with Common Injuries You Might Experience on the Trail.
Thank you, and Live Wildly My Friends.
#pct2023, #backpacking #olderbackpackers #pct2022 #alaska #pct

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2 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 184

@bluefungi 10 месяцев назад

I'm a young dude in my 20s but, I'm still gonna watch because I know I'll get old someday too. I wish you all luck in your hikes. 😁

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Yup, it’s inevitable. I’m hoping to keep going as long as possible. Best in your adventures!

@SeniorHiker77 11 месяцев назад

Down hill tip was spot on.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you.

@janefreeman995 10 месяцев назад

Hiking poles! Almost everyone uses them on long distance hikes.

@williamewing7960 11 месяцев назад

One thing I have learned in recent years is that when hiking as a senior (I am 76 yo) solo hiking is probably not a good idea. It is important to have a partner that is more or less equal to you in ability. My son in law, age about 40, is an avid and experienced long distance backpacker. I love to go hiking with him, but I just cannot keep up any more. It is not fair to burden him with slowing down to my pace, yet he does not want to leave me behind. So I am always looking elsewhere for hiking companions. If I solo hike, it is always on easier trails where there are many other hikers. Many of them, I have noticed, have gray hair too.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for your comment. A few days ago I ran into a 71-year-old hiker on the PCT in Oregon. What an amazing attitude he had! He was hiking and understood the risks, but I agree with you about hiking solo, and hiking with people of similar abilities. Thank you for watching.

@danielkaranja7978 4 месяца назад

That is very insightful. I also have the same essential problem but in my case, it is because I hike with a preteen child who is really into it and puts a tremendous effort, but certainly requires me to slow down and/or select easy hikes. But at the end of it all, the time spent together is priceless and I treasure it all.

@josephkirkhouse4582 4 месяца назад

@@danielkaranja7978uni by

@gr8bkset-524 3 месяца назад

I did the JMT with a friend who ran Marathons. I was the tortoise and he was the hare. Luckily, I was an early bird and fast in camp in the morning and he needed his sleep. I'd start my hikes at 6:30-7:00 am while he started an hour later. He started and stopped a lot to take pictures and cooked lunch while I went at a constant, slow speed. Most days I got to choose the campsite an hour before he arrived. It was magical for me hiking at the break of dawn and at my own pace. We probably hiked together a third of the time on days that were dangerous or we didn't want to lose each other. It was good for the both of us and I felt secure knowing he was behind me in case something bad happened.

@rosecampiran9301 10 месяцев назад

I read a book on altitude sickness, heatstroke, and other dangers of the Grand Canyon before going alone there. Met wonderful new friends on trails. I was in my mid 50s and got puffed feet from altitude sickness. I ate lots of chips, drank water and had sandwiches and fruit. In July, I hiked before 10 am to avoid over 100 heat that bounced off the cliffs like an oven. Hiked down for 30 minutes on switchback trail and then back up steep incline. Please be careful out there! Be smart. Thank you for posting this!

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for your stories. I remember rafting the Grand Canyon and devouring Lemonade at Phantom Ranch. Your stories brought back memories.

@sakuelovaara2931 10 месяцев назад

I’m 52yr now and agree you 100% .. Especial take care of foot.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you. I’m on the PCT right now, and I think it takes 300 miles of TLC to get your trail legs.

@backpacker3421 11 месяцев назад

Totally agree on diet - in town I make a point of eating a salad with lots of different ingredients, but I also make a point of packing out some fresh fruits and veg. Apples and oranges and mangos will last for days in a pack. I like to bring an avocado and eat it the first night. Bell peppers and carrots and zucchini. Anything that only requires a knife to prepare and eat - and the more color the better. And it's not just about vitamins and minerals - which they are great for - it's also about probiotics and enzymes. Fresh fruit and veg are packed with them and getting them in helps you digest everything else you eat on trail - making you a more efficient hiking machine.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thanks Hey Jude. When we hit the huckleberries in Washington I could feel the magic enzymes at work. We’re taking dried mangos, and quite the veggie collection thanks to our dehydrator.

@backpacker3421 11 месяцев назад

@@akwild1 That's awesome. Our blackberries are the real star around here, but not too many grow at PCT elevations. The huckleberries are great too!

@yoseflaurent3376 10 месяцев назад

You are right, hydration helps prevent muscle injuries AND altitude sickness, but more than that, it helps prevent minor joints problems as well, joints pains, joints inflammations, joints swelling, by keeping everything softer, more supple, more elastic, more lubricated. Another sickness that could be life threatening on a remote stretch of the trail is heatstroke for which, just like altitude sickness, it is important to learn to recognize the early symptoms and know the needed emergency care to quickly address the situation and avoid the worst outcome from materializing, because an untreated heatstroke may sometimes be fatal within less than 3 hours.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you. I struggle the most with the heat - my optimal hiking temp is 45 degrees. I just read an article in the Washington Post about the ways you can acclimate to the heat. Your comments were very relevant to me. Thank you!

@dennisjwaltke4871 11 месяцев назад

I and my best friendc are 72 and 75. We mostly hike Yellowsstone back country and section hike the AT. We are retired healthcare. Your emt training suggestions are great. Many times basic wound treatment has been performed. Once we and some other hikers performed resuscitation while a trail runner went to get emergency help. Because of this the hiker in his early sixties, survived a heart attack.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you for sharing your story. It’s always amazing to me when trained pros act quickly enough to save a heart attack victim.

@ironpig701 11 месяцев назад

Im in construction and union and every morning on jobsite we do "stretch and flex" so if anybody needs ideas on stretches that may help you as we do these in full work clothes. My 1 tip I have for longer trails such as PCT, AT, or CDT is start slow. Its 2600 miles so there is little need to bust out 30 mile days from the start. Let body adjust to the trail and trail life.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Absolutely. That tip is in my first Tips video. We’re trying to finish up what we missed on the PCT last year, and still working on our trail legs. We’re currently doing about 15 miles a day.

@michaellorenzen8200 4 месяца назад

I am a retired commercial carpenter and IMO alot of people treated "stretch and bend" as a time to shoot the shit with friends , text their wives/girlfriends , finish their burrito and coffee and ultimately found that the GCs would have S and B and an insurance reduction clause

@familywithmelody 10 месяцев назад

Great video! As an older hiker myself, I found these advanced tips extremely helpful and motivating. It's encouraging to see content tailored to our specific needs and challenges. Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for empowering us to continue exploring the great outdoors!

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you. We’re trying to finish the 650 miles we missed last year on the PCT. Im learning it takes longer to get your trail legs as you get older. At least 300 miles for me. I’m motivated to help older folks ponder the skills needed to long-distance hike.

@markliechty6434 10 месяцев назад

Great ideas I tend to follow with one exception. I tell as many people as possible about my upcoming adventures and goals. It helps keep me accountable as I get lazy in training and friends and family will kindly push me along when it looks like I am not doing what I have to do to get where I said I wanted to be.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Sounds good. We all have different ways of motivating ourselves, and I’m glad you found a method that works for you. Thanks for posting.

@rosecampiran9301 10 месяцев назад

Love your tips, especially to be grateful that I am out hiking while other older friends cannot. Enjoy my time outdoors. I love being outdoors. My coping skill for all ills in life. Keep moving. Take a hike!!!

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Love that! That’s a good philosophy for hiking through mosquito country, too: don’t stop for a moment.

@geekwillow8177 10 месяцев назад

You have definitely have earned your stripes so I will incorporate your tips if I can remember to. Not because of my age but because of my ADD. When you mentioned working on your downhill work, I figured that you were going to talk about road running stretches of downhill as descending with a full pack can be tough on the legs. That is one thing I used to do in my routine that sadly I have gotten out of because I bought a motorcycle a few years back. But now I'm looking to get back into it with my twin who gave up his motorcycle for hiking when my son and I brought him on a hammock expedition along our "Presidential range". I don't know if heat is an issue in Alaska but it is here in NH in the summertime.(winters are exceptionably harsh too.)Very experienced hikers of all ages, like just this weekend in my state, commonly run into trouble because of the heat and lack of available water sources in the range being hiked. So research sites that post what actual hikers say is about the best tip I can offer. That and don't cross even the smallest of streams with your pack on, another common tragedy here. Some hikes are just not a good idea in summer. I like your advice on shoes. I read a book called "Hiking through" written by Paul Stutzman, a middle aged male looking to escaping real life tragedy. He stated that he went through a pair of shoes just hiking my tiny state. I still use that to justify to my wife my passion for buying them and thanks to you I now have more ammunition! Anyway, love your personality and encouragement. It's just what I need as I condition myself back to more serious hikes. Happy trails fellow Senor CT Zen

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you, Paul. Yes, heat can be a killer. We’re hiking the Oregon section of the PCT right now, and sometimes the water locations are spread thin. It also seems that no matter my amount of training, it still takes 300 miles to get my trail legs. Thanks for watching and your comments.

@stevetrimborn3739 10 месяцев назад

I'm an "older" hiker errr 51 years old. I just lost my left ACL and have a meniscal tear there too. I'm still researching what options I have and somewhat dreading what hiking will look like moving forward...

@stevetrimborn3739 10 месяцев назад

I'd be interested to hear about your orthopedic status and how you cope with it...

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you. Please let me know what type of hiking you decide upon. All the best!

@johneason6540 11 месяцев назад

Hi I'm 71yo All that you talked about are essential. I agree. I just got back from Alaska. I do a lot of section hiking, and alot of tall peak hiking. The daily training, with weight. I prefer full pack weight. Nutrition is a must. I follow good eating habits ALL year long. I train almost everyday rain or shine. I constantly look for good content to improve myself. Including first, I have administered care many times to hikers. Inc to myself from an injury of going down hill too fast. A hard lesson learned for me. Thanks

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you. Everything you wrote resonates with me. Congratulations on staying fit into your 70s. Amazing discipline.

@melissabillmire8641 5 месяцев назад

I agree with everything you said, training is one of the most important things to do. In order to get yourself ready for the next camping and hiking trip. I like what you said about using your backpack filled as one of your training routines. Because I do the same exact thing, only difference is that I just use. Either a few one gallon water containers, or some barbell weights strategically placed in my backpack. To displace the weight more evenly and not just in the main compartment. Where I would normally put my sleeping bag and pad and work up from there with my other camping and hiking gear.

@gr8bkset-524 3 месяца назад

For me, even more important than my feet are my knees. I always wear knee wraps. They take a little bounce off of each step downhill and prevent them from swelling. My second tip is to avoid hiking when it is hot. If I must, I dunk my shirt in water at every opportunity so the evaporation keeps me cool.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

For me, my knees act up usually only on the downhill. Doing stretches during the first sign of pain has helped me. I don't like hiking when it's hot either. Starting early, taking a mid-day siesta near a stream or lake, and hiking later in the afternoon toward evening is one strategy I followed. This past summer on the PCT in Oregon, it was incredibly hot, and I realized the importance of building up heat resilience. I plan a future video on that topic. Thank you for your comment.

@markstanton2362 11 месяцев назад

my number one concern is looking out for grizzlies.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Me too. I’m working on an episode that deals with ways backpackers can avoid negative bear encounters.

@backpacker3421 11 месяцев назад

On electrolytes (I agree, Nuun and Liquid IV are great - and easy to get)... I like to carry two water bottles. One for water and one for an electrolyte mix. Other than hiking, I also run and bike long distance, and I kayak. I use the two-bottle trick for all four. I find I naturally gravitate to the bottle I need most in the moment. I started doing this on the bike where it's natural - two bottle cages means two bottles. It IMMEDIATELY improved my well being at the end of a long ride, so I adopted it as my normal way to go for all four activities, and it works really well for me.

@panhandlejake6200 11 месяцев назад

Agreed ! I had the same experience hiking - electrolytes during the activity is a big help. I also frequently snack on some salty nuts throughout the day which helps me to drink much more water. From what I can see, even the electrolyte mixes may not replenish salt lost through sweating during strenuous activities.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Excellent idea. Thanks for sharing. I noticed my body tells me what it wants during a long hike, and your solution (no pun intended) addresses that.

@n_factorial 11 месяцев назад

I think these are good tips for younger, injury-prone hikers too!

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you. I agree. Older hikers focus intently on injury prevention because it usually takes longer to heal from injuries as you get older.

@scottburkhart6953 11 месяцев назад

What a terrific video! I am 68, and my son and I are planning another "epic" bp adventure. I have also been on some long hikes with a group of guys my age. Everything you pointed out is so important. If I could add one item, and that is when walking down hill, walk with your feet slightly further apart from each other than a normal gait. The use of trekking poles also helps a great deal with balance and stability.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for the idea of keeping your feet farther apart going downhill. I should have mentioned that. Happy trails!

@melissabillmire8641 5 месяцев назад

Yes, hiking down a hill or mountain can be difficult for people who are older like many of us are. You're suggestion about walking with your legs spread apart and the use of trekking poles. Are definitely a good way to get down safely. The only thing I would add is making sure you have the right kind of footwear. Because to many people just go out and buy some really nice hiking boots. Not realizing that when hiking you actually need a little more room for your feet. And especially your toes, because as you traverse down a hill or mountain. You're feet will tend to push forward. Right into the tip of the toe box area and that can cause all kinds of different problems. I've found that if I buy my hiking boots, shoes, or trail runners. One to one and a half bigger than my actual boot/shoe size. And replace the soles with something better than what they originally come with. I can hike all day with no problem with my feet.

@robertfindley921 9 месяцев назад

Nice video. I agree on your "rubber lipping" statement. And the "be kind to your feet" statement. Foot care and maintenance is critical.

@akwild1 9 месяцев назад

Thank you. I’m about 90 miles from finishing the PCT (after two years) and finally have solid trail legs after 500 miles. It takes time.

@ronaldrose7593 9 месяцев назад

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing your informative video. I really enjoyed it. Stay safe out there. 🤗 👋

@akwild1 9 месяцев назад

Thank you Ronald. I am just about finished with the PCT. It’s taken me two years, but I’m in the home stretch. All the best.

@grivello 9 месяцев назад

Inspiring to others. Thank you for this practical advice.

@akwild1 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@melbanks2271 8 месяцев назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AmDDQAKDQ4A.html

@maureenobryan6141 11 месяцев назад

Another great video of tips! Thank you for taking the time to share with us. I recently injured my ankle (hairline fracture) on a simple slip on loose rock going downhill on a day hike. Took me off trail for one month to heal. Not fun! And, as an older hike it takes a bit longer to heal. One thing I have found that helps going downhill on a rather steep area is to step at an angle (not quite sideways) instead of straight down....less likely to hyper extend and injure your foot on a slip. Also, there are some online backcountry classes you can take to help with emergencies or wilderness medicine. University of Utah has one that was so helpful. It's always a good idea to know at least a little first aid. Keep sharing your wonderful tips!

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you Maureen. I hope your ankle has healed completely. I know you enjoy hiking, and leaving the trail for a month must have been tough. A few days ago we took a fourth-grader hiking, full of energy, and he ran down the trail on the way back. I started counting all the bones in my feet that I would have broken had I attempted the same. Any way we refresh our first aid skills is surely a plus on the trail. Thank you for your comments.

@user-dq1xc4zd7f 11 месяцев назад

I enjoyed your video. I thru hiked the PCT last year (class of 2022) at age 71. Glad it’s not this year with all the snow. It’s probably not good but while hiking difficult terrain I alternated between drinking water with electorates and water with caffeine mix and it kept me alert and got me up a lot of hard climbs. Washington State was amazing and I was blessed by meeting some amazing people. I miss it! Hopefully, I got a few good years left. Best.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Amazing accomplishment. I agree, this year would be a beast. We’re trying to finish what we missed last year. We’re hiking Oregon right now.

@tianikane3312 11 месяцев назад

When I am asked if I am going to ....., then I say, "Well, that's the plan. We'll see..." That takes the pressure off. I don't try to keep pace with others, I do it in my own time on a long distance trail.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you Tiani. I like the way you tell folks your goal. It allows you to shift your focus to the trail - where your attention should be. Thank you for your wise words.

@edmolash3401 11 месяцев назад

Mostly good stuff, except that no zeros leads to mental burnout. After a while, distance hiking can become like a job if you don’t have breaks in the routine.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you, Ed for watching the video. I guess I wasn't clear. I meant to avoid zeroes during the last stretch of your training just before you set off on your long-distance hike since it's so easy to fall out of shape as an older person. I think it's important to keep moving until the beginning of a long-distance hike. Even if you only walk one mile on a slow day. When you're on the trail, zeroes are a different story. We usually hike five days on and two days off. That gives us a chance to recuperate, recharge, and prepare for the trail ahead.

@melissabillmire8641 5 месяцев назад

Great video about how us senior citizens and what we should prepare for. Before and during.our hiking trip that I found interesting. My only suggestion would be to take along some Potassium pills. As well as any other medication you might have to take on a daily basis. At least for this 64 year old man, after a long days hike I can sure feel it the next morning. But once my hiking buddy who is also my age told me about. What he takes before he hit the sack for the night. Sounded to me better than taking some Advil or some other type of OTC pain medication. That will Inevitably eat away your stomach, especially if you take to much for to long. And Potassium is a more natural way to get some relief from sore muscles and or muscle cramps.

@akwild1 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for watching and caring enough about us older hikers to share your advice. We appreciate it. Happy Trails!

@aknudsen93 11 месяцев назад

I'm 57 and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis last fall. I'm having trouble being active at all because of the pain. I am hoping that something will help so I can go for longer walks and hike. I want to stay active but right now if I walk 4 miles the next day my knees are very painful. It's really making me sad not to be able to do the things I love. Sorry to whine to you but I am hopeful that at some point I can get back to being active. Thank you for all of your advice! Anne

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Anne, I wish you the best toward your recovery. I can imagine how frustrating it must be when the heart says go and the body says go slow.

@Berry_N 11 месяцев назад

Hope you can find the right supplement program to help and strengthening the right muscles for support. Arthritis sucks.

@AMaupin2 10 месяцев назад

I've always been taught you will go/fall where you are looking--so, if you are looking down at your feet, that's where you'll end up. Just a thought.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Good idea. I tend to fall on flat ground, for some reason. I think I go into my Zen mode and then stumble when walking on flat ground.

@joemikeska2657 10 месяцев назад

I only have one counter to your list: even older hikers can benefit from transitioning to zero drop/minimalist footwear that don’t need insoles. Strong feet means strong ankles which mean lees susceptible to injury.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for your perspective. I couldn’t get my feet to like zero drops, finally settled on Hoka Speedgoats. Still like them after 8 pair.

@StuartBLong 10 месяцев назад

Great video. Thank you.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Glad you liked it!

@highdesertforester 11 месяцев назад

Some good tips. I'm 75 and in a month or so will start the last section of my bucket list: the Washington PCT. Started doing it section by section in 2018, now my last section is the most difficult: section K. You are giving me motivation to up my training regimen. I've lightened my full load pack weight to 25 lbs, added stair step training and added more cardio to help on the climbs. Also starting with a pair of well fitting shoes with new insoles that have only 100 miles on them.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

That is awesome! I adore the Washington section, especially the Goat Rocks WS. Don’t forget the bakery in Stehekin. We’re planning to finish Oregon and then the last 30 miles of Washington, from Hart’s Pass to the border this summer. Have a great adventure!

@mountaincat8 11 месяцев назад

Are you going North or South when doing the Washington section of the PCT? Any particular reason that one direction is preferable over the other? Thanks in advance!

@highdesertforester 11 месяцев назад

@@mountaincat8 For logistical reasons of getting to and from the trailheads I'm doing this section southbound. I've done other sections northbound for the same reason. Just depends on what works at the moment.

@jamessills5802 10 месяцев назад

Not being overweight helps a lot.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Good point. I’ve struggled with my weight as I’ve grown older. A long distance hike sure helps shave the pounds.

@Karen-dq8nw 11 месяцев назад

My understanding and my experience of altitude sickness is that hydration really has no role in preventing it. You either get AMS or you don't. Spending time gradually at higher elevations helps but may also not totally prevent it. And it's good to be hydrated for other reasons, but unfortunately in my case, it doesn't stop AMS nor does it treat it. Otherwise good tips! Will look at those stretching videos.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you, Karen. I will see if it's settled science that hydration either helps prevent/mitigate or plays no role in AMS. I don't want to get out of my depth here. I referred to a couple of articles reviewed by doctors, but I have found one study that indicates hydration may play no role in preventing AMS. If you have some peer-reviewed sources, please send the links my way. I might be operating under some old-school beliefs, among which are the ideas that caffeine and alcohol should be avoided when hiking higher altitudes and might play a role in AMS. Thank you again for your comment.

@Hail2MasterChief 10 месяцев назад

Great video.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@rodoutdoors 11 месяцев назад

Great tips. Thanks for sharing. I switched over to Boulder Salt for electrolytes to save money. Been using it daily to stay regular too :D. I've been doing mobility exercises when getting up. It's been helping a lot. On trips, I'll massage the feet and pressure points in the legs while in the tent and down more electrolytes before passing out.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you, I’m learning a lot about the variety of electrolyte products from my viewers. Good info. I like your foot/leg routine. No pun intended, but my feet and legs are my Achilles heel of hiking.

@robb7733 10 месяцев назад

Great tips! Thank you. I picked up 2-3 things.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for posting.

@janefreeman995 10 месяцев назад

If coming up to a river that is rushing in the afternoon, make camp and cross in the morning, it will probably freeze in the nihight above and will be much safer to cross in the AM. Or look at a map for an alternative route to include a road and bridge .Also i did exersizes for the core that was helpful.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Good point. Thanks Jane. Many PCT-ers worry about river crossings, especially this year.

@huntsail3727 10 месяцев назад

These are great and thoughtful tips. I think most of them would benefit anyone planning to have a successful and enjoyable experience. Thanks!

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Absolutely! I hope so. Thanks for watching.

@professorrolloff2158 21 день назад

Great video, as always! I'm sure EMT training is great (it takes @ 120 hours or up to 6 months) but a Wilderness First Responder course is more specific to a backcountry contact and takes less time -- something like 80 hours usually offered in a 10-day course through the likes of NOLS? Or even just a Wilderness 1st Aid course. As you note, it seems more likely you'll encounter other people or groups in need of assistance, so is always good to have medical training for the backcountry.

@akwild1 20 дней назад

I would like to add Wilderness First Responder to my quiver. I went the EMT route so I could volunteer with the local EMS squad. The calls I responded to helped reinforce what I learned, and kept my skills from deteriorating. I went up to EMT II, but then I realized I hated needles. IV pokes stress me out. Good recommendation. Thank you.

@machineman6498 11 месяцев назад

Thank you for making this

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

I enjoyed making it. Thanks for watching.

@hoss4928 11 месяцев назад

A lot of those aches and pains (stretching, etc.) disappear by utilizing recovery drink immediately upon stopping to setup camp the night before. Gear Skeptic covers it in Electrolytes #4, if memory serves. It's a miracle of nature (and he references the scientific-papers to show how/why it works). Still too much snow in California. Looking at Canada-border sobo start in July right now? Not in great shape for a mountainous start though. No decisions yet.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Always great to hear from you Hoss. I’ll check it out. We’re headed back to the trail soon. Can you imagine how difficult the Sierra section would be this year for us older hikers?

@hoss4928 11 месяцев назад

@@akwild1 - No. Even slogging through shallow slush looks fairly miserable. Mosquitoes too. It's a heck of a year.

@jaguarsolo 11 месяцев назад

i am 63. I am apparently rubber lipping. I use the fact that I have told others of my plans to stay motivated. I did not know it was a bad thing. I guess I'll stop.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Whatever helps you get on the trail is a good thing. My thinking is that I when I face a serious decision on the trail, I want to make sure that any prior bravado-induced predictions don’t get in the way of my judgment.

@jaguarsolo 11 месяцев назад

@@akwild1 I get it. Really liked your video and perspective.

@nigelarmstrong9280 3 месяца назад

Lots of great and practical advice, so useful. Thanks from the UK.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Glad it was helpful! It's great to hear from the fine people in the UK. Thanks for watching.

@williamreeder3660 11 месяцев назад

Thank you for the great video Trying to find the channel for your friend thst you referred to as flash

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Flash is my wife, and when I can convince her, she’ll host some amazing videos. Check out my channel for more videos of Flash.

@Adventure_Spirit 3 месяца назад

You are lucky to hike on Alaska, and we are lucky to have your advices. Thank you for this.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you. After I read Thoreau and Charles Seib's The Woods as a kid, I always wanted to live in a cabin in the wilderness. I have that now, but it took a lot of work to make it happen. There is beautiful hiking in Alaska, but no real long trails of say, 100 miles and up. That may change with the Alaska Long Trail project, but it's still many years out. Thank you for watching.

@Adventure_Spirit 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1 We (Europeans) see Alaska like "The last frontier", and a place with thru witness. So, don't stop to explore and share with us your Adventures.

@nationalparksprincess3216 11 месяцев назад

I enjoy watching your hiking tips, such great advice 😊 Thanks AK 😀

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching the video, and your many kind comments of support!

@735Secure 11 месяцев назад

Excellent, great tips!

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Glad you like them!

@bobsiddoway 3 месяца назад

Almost died 2.5 years ago in the Wind Rivers! We stayed above 11,000’ the first few nights, it went from coughing to productive cough to being unable to lift my pack or go farther than 50 paces without almost passing out. Resting pulse was 180. Luckily my two buddies helped me pack my gear out. ER doc said I was maybe 12 hrs from death. Took a month to recover. Got lung meds now.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

That's a harrowing story. Glad you made it, and elevation gain is nothing to take lightly. Thanks for sharing.

@Islandmidfielder 3 месяца назад

New subscriber and enjoying your videos. Im going to say this about your “no rubber lipping” recommendation. I think that was is very personal like you said thats where it stops for me. Trail culture as it is, we are each others first line of support and whether we accept it or not, we are also each others final sanity check before someone goes off and gets themselves in trouble. Coming from that perspective, I don’t recommend asking others to keep their affirmations or goals to them selves. Its often a footnote in history that someone last spoke to an underprepared hiker who said they intended to go a 1000 miles. In hindsight site the person did not inquire further or follow their instinct to check in with that fellow hiker as to what might be ahead. Let’s remember the spirit of the trail family and accept that hikers chop and change plans based on conditions and circumstances. It’s not about over promising out load, as theirs no one to impress. Hiking that far off the beaten path, up a single track takes an effort that must also be respected. I don’t think its right to introduce “the culture of keep it to yourself from other parts of our culture onto the trails. It’s about making community. And when in community out on the trails it’s perfectly okay to state your intentions even if you don’t succeed. Stating your intentions is how you start a conversation or get help and the contribution of others experiences. That’s the only way others can help guide you or support you by having a few conversations about what it might take to complete that stated objective. If I run into a hiker who tells me they are going 1000 miles yet I notice their shoes wont go another 100 miles, it’s an opportunity to have a safety conversation or probe their skill level as a safety conversation, not to intrude on privacy. To have them walk past keeping their thoughts to themselves because it’s not respectable or not done is promoting a culture of secrecy thats uncomfortable to me out on the trails. Newer hikers and older hikers should talk to each other out on the trail. We are each others first line of protection, even against our own poor judgement. Out on the trails, I over share specifically because I’m a black man out in places where sometimes I’m not expected. People can and have behaved towards me in ways that have caused a sense of being unsafe. Out of that has come the habit of telling others on the trail where I’m heading or my fullest objectives. If something happened to me out there, who would know? Your advice requires some further unpacking because we are not all in the same situations. For me it’s safer for as many people who seem friendly to know my goals. Besides this bit, I like your videos.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Fair enough. We all march to a beat of different drummer, and in my case, the decision to hike the PCT was deeply personal; I knew my limitations, where to learn what to expect, and how to prepare. I knew it was a daunting challenge, and the no-rubber-lib philosophy came out of my desire to remain humble about the challenges ahead and stay focused on getting right in my head. I never wanted to answer the oft-asked question, "Are you hiking all the way to Canada?" because I knew anything could happen at any time, from an injury, to a family emergency, to a trail accident. Reasonable people can disagree, and I respect your opinion. I appreciate you sharing it with me. It made me think. As a sidenote, by the time I hit Washington, I noticed two characteristics of those who were still on the trail -- only about 20 percent or so wind up hiking the entire 2650 miles. These hikers were pretty stubborn, and had great senses of humor. They learned to persist through all the challenges, and learned to laugh and persevere through a variety of mishaps. I learned to stay humble, thankful and grateful that at 63, I'm still healthy enough to give it a go. I can't wait to start my next adventure.

@ULperformance 11 месяцев назад

Not aware of the side step technique? It’s standard practice for down hilling. You might try bee pollen, an excellent stimulant and eliminates leg cramps.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you for the suggestions. Each season I seem to have new aches that must be worked out.

@mcmick6294 11 месяцев назад

Love your tips and thanks for all the help. Crit: please tell me that "talk to your doctor" is 100% a disclaimer. Mabe in ak the doctors actually care about their patients (most parts of europe) but in polls across the US, 90% do not.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Yes, mostly a disclaimer. I want to make sure an older person doesn’t go from zero ( the couch) to Whitney in a few days or less. I have a good doctor, but they can be hard to find.

@filmic1 3 месяца назад

I like that, gratitude @ 6:05.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you. As an older hiker, I am thankful for each day I can still hike the trail, when many my age might not be able to. It's very humbling. Thank you for watching and your comment.

@benoloughlin1557 11 месяцев назад

Thank you for another great video, your tips are exactly the subjects I have been thinking about six weeks out from my hiking adventures in the US begins! My last visit to my doctor I talked about my plan to climb South Sister in Oregon and asked about altitude sickness. He reached around and grabbed a small container of pills and said ‘take these’. He had just returned from Mt Kilimanjaro and had come home with most of his script unused. I also hear what you said about taking ‘zero’ training days. I’m now training everyday but a few days ago I took a day off and I felt like crap! I’d also add to your advice is to take advantage of training in adverse weather conditions. Great advice re: nutrition! Thanks again!

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thank you, Ben. I’m the same way. One day of living in slothdom makes me feel the same way. Climbing South Sister sounds like a blast. Please post a picture of your the climb, if you’d like. When I’m hiking above 8,000 feet, I like to have a plan for the possibility of altitude sickness. I definitely felt the effects of higher elevation when we climbed Whitney last year.

@benoloughlin1557 11 месяцев назад

@@akwild1 yes, definitely taking the camera. I’m undecided about the tripod as it weighs a ton!

@BK2ATL 4 месяца назад

Great information, thank you 🙂

@akwild1 4 месяца назад

Glad it was helpful! Thank you.

@HikingwithGus 11 месяцев назад

Great tips! I was told years ago, that when you go downhill, walk like a horse does going downhill, you swing your hips back and forth. It works pretty well after you get the hang of it. Good tips.... I use LMNT for electrolyte supplement, works great. I had an issue with cramps every night. I tried everything, nothing worked well, until I used LMNT. Also, I find that when I hike with my son, I secretly put some of my heaviest gear in his pack.... :)

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Thanks Gus. I’ll try the horse hop maneuver when no one’s around. Love the idea, and I’ll check out LMNT. Thanks for watching!

@martinep6293 10 месяцев назад

In difficult terrains you want to make 100% sure your downhill foot has a sure hold. You may be standing on the uphill foot with your knee bent while testing that foothold below. Make sure your knees are strong and never have pain to begin with. Going downhill is ALWAYS more "iffy", there is the perception of the void to begin with😂. Slow down: you do not need to ad kinetic energy to your body weight, increading the chances that stone dislodges. I dont do big thru hikes: I consider eating junk food = health destruction radically counteracting the benefits of hiking. I favor hiking in altitude and difficult terrains. 70+ headed for RMNP (Sky Pond? like last year). Re altitude sickness: make sure not to get food poisonning, diagnostic becomes trickier😂.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you. I especially like your focus on strong knees. This year my knees are doing better on the PCT; I just have a nagging heal. It seems like everyone on the trail has some kind of issue with their feet or legs.

@cheryl5218 11 месяцев назад

Anothet great video. Your advice seems to cover a large realm of things to do and remember before entering a trail. That was a good question about getting more shoes on the trail. Good answer for people to ship ahead. Thank you. Please keep doing these very informative and fun videos.

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Cheryl. I enjoy sharing our adventures and reading comments from fellow-adventurers.

@cheryl5218 11 месяцев назад

I just watched Flashs Morning Stretching for Backpackers. It was great. Thanks for reminding me to check out your other video's.

@SunsyloSouvannaraj-rh6zm 5 дней назад

I been exercise since grade I’m 51 now and still enjoy hiking but just a short one no more than 5 miles

@GaryColes 11 месяцев назад

Great video. Thank you. I am preparing to takle the Uinta Highline trail later this summer. It is 104 miles long and is mostly above 10,000 feet, crossing nine passes over 12,000 feet. I am 76 and your tips are some of the best I've seen. I am curious to know if you have any recommendations for shoes. And do you have suggestions for breaking them in?

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Hi Gary, I used to live in Utah and enjoyed backpacking the Uintas. The Highline Trail looks marvelous. I don’t make shoe recommendations because every hiker’s foot is different. I think it’s best to try multiple shoes, hiking at least 10 miles in each, to see which pair works for you. I had a gait analysis performed on my walk, and purchased the right insoles for my feet. Ultimately, my feet liked the Hoka Speedgoats. They don’t require any breaking in, for me. Traditional hiking boots would require breaking in time. Enjoy your epic adventure!

@billpowell5207 4 месяца назад

Age has ZERO impact on altitude sickness. Some high end athletes get it, while some out of shape folks don't. But, I do agree that you need to know signs and address accordingly.

@akwild1 4 месяца назад

Sorry for the confusion. It wasn’t my intent to imply that older hikers are naturally susceptible to altitude sickness, rather it’s just one factor they need to consider regardless of age. If you hike the PCT, Whitney and Forrester may affect you, so you should be aware of the symptoms.

@billpowell5207 4 месяца назад

Totally agree with you. I am doing Colorado this summer and doing all I can to acclimate before hike begins. Thanks for your video. I like the gravity bag idea. I may give it try@@akwild1

@akwild1 4 месяца назад

@@billpowell5207 The CT is in our plans, too. I love the high country. Last year the PCT cooked me in July.

@friederichgerlach9825 3 месяца назад

If you are in danger off getting altitude sickness, take viagra with you. I am 57 but disabled 80%. So i am a "very old" hiker. Every hike is a challenge for me so i am glad for your tips. Btw, hiking is not only good for your health, also for your wallet. Greeting from the Black Forrest in Germany

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Hiking is good for your wallet. I've seen people outfit themselves for a song using Thrift Stores and going simple. Ultralight backpacking can be quite expensive, or other options are available. It certainly is cheaper than equipping for other sports.

@friederichgerlach9825 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1 Thank you for your kind answer. the exipment i use is a mix of old armee stuff an clothes from a discounter. Certainly it is not the best ultralight equipment. The most important thing is: you just have to move your a.. outside. By the way, i am on the way for a hike to the Wutach Schlucht in the Black Forest.

@bobv7753 11 месяцев назад

Hello & thank you AK for another informative vlog. I am an older hiker wanting to increase my activity. I appreciate your content. Your experience & advice is so valuable. Question: You mentioned that you went through 7 pair of shoes during yours & Flashes PCT hike. When switching to a new pair did you just buy a pair in trail towns along the way. Did you pre-buy, break in & have them shipped to you. Shoes & break in is important as you know. Thanks for all you & flash do! Best....Bob V

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Hi Bob, thanks for your comment. I ordered my shoes through REI. I found a town about 7-10 days away that had a post office and had them sent there, general delivery. I made sure they were sent UPS, which otherwise created problems. Since I hiked in trail runners, the initial breaking in wasn’t as necessary as it would be if I had regular hiking boots.

@bobv7753 11 месяцев назад

@@akwild1 Thanks for getting back to me AK. I always wondered what people did for shoe resupply. They are important & really need to be right for you. Thanks also for the UPS shipping tip! I appreciate yours & Flashes helpful information. Best Always....Bob V

@bw2314 10 месяцев назад

Can altitude sickness occur below 8k?

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Good question. I’ll look into it. Most info I’ve seen use 8k as a baseline altitude that hikers must recognize as a possible risk.

@aknudsen93 11 месяцев назад

Do you have any suggestions for hiking boots or shoes for women? I hike on a flat surface, usually pavement. I have hiking boots but they are very old and I've been walking/hiking with Keen hiking shoes. My old running shoes are not in good shape either. I'll be sticking to hiking for now that's why I asked. Thanks again!

@akwild1 11 месяцев назад

Anne, I’m always reluctant to recommend shoes or boots because I think feet are rather unique. What works for me, might not work for you. I had a gait analysis and went through five pairs of shoes before settling on the pair I chose. I walked at least 10 miles in each pair to see how they treated my feet.

@bernielamont825 9 месяцев назад

I have to agree on the shoes also, I could open up a shoe store with all shoes i've tried before finding Altra Terraventure 3's, hopefully they won't make any changes on the next generation. The cost of footwear in my closet is now more than my tent, backpack, and sleep system. Ahh, the golden years!😂

@alamer2503 10 месяцев назад

👍

@alansdorsetfossils4028 9 месяцев назад

What weight do you carry and how many miles do you average out at please.

@akwild1 9 месяцев назад

My pack usually weighs between 30-35 pounds all in with 3 liters of water and my camera gear. I am working toward becoming more ultralight. Thanks for watching.

@bernielamont825 9 месяцев назад

To me "ultra light" means "ultra uncomfortable"😂

@lukasmakarios4998 10 месяцев назад

Moose poop? Mouse droppings, of course. BIG mice.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Very big mice, indeed. Thanks for watching.

@D2C3R5 3 месяца назад

you mean to say "elevation," not altitude. elevation is how high the terrain is. altitude is how high you are up in the air.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you for the clarification. I'll know not to use the two terms interchangeably. Thanks again.

@kennethwilson8633 10 месяцев назад

Tip 13 live longer to be older.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Good idea!

@bluefungi 10 месяцев назад

Well hiking can help. It has many health benefits. 😂

@sphires 10 месяцев назад

I did trail running for years, skipping is the secret to downhill. Just let gravity do it's thing.

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Wow. I’m not coordinated enough to skip. I admire your skills!

@ripple_on_the_ocean 3 месяца назад

As a registered nurse with 26 years' experience, and as the happy owner of a textbook of high-altitude pathophysiology, I'd advise not necessarily counting on your family doctor to have a good understanding of your particular risks at altitude. No offense to GPs! - it's just not a topic that I'd expect to be covered thoroughly in most medical schools outside of Nepal or Peru. Issues that can become dangerous at high altitude are lung or heart/circulatory problems; your risk of a stroke or heart attack is heightened as you climb. Anyone with a history of heart attack, stroke or TIA ( transient ischemic attack or 'mini stroke') would be much safer staying below 10 000 ft. Adequate hydration is an absolute must at altitude, but the only remedy for altitude sickness is to descend. If in doubt or symptoms seem to be worsening, go back down.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you for your professional insight and advice. Is there an explanation for why some folks who are young and seem in top health can also suffer from altitude sickness? Or, is it possible they already possess some of the risk factors associated with lung or heart/circulatory problems? The last person who may have died because of HAPE (unconfirmed) on Forrester Pass was quite young.

@ripple_on_the_ocean 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1 I wish there was a better way to predict who will be most at risk - the youngest fittest people can still get extremely sick from altitude. Previous AMS is the most reliable predictive value that's currently known. The CDC has a brief but quite thorough guide here: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/high-elevation-travel-and-altitude-illness

@elaineolson550 10 месяцев назад

Please move that can of bear spray away from your face. I stopped watching half way through because all I could think of was the possibility of severe injury if that went off unintentionally. (I’m from Alaska so I get the fear of bears…) I keep a can in my left side pocket of my pack where I can reach around a grab it with my right hand…. I’ve also put one in a waist belt pocket before as well…. Thanks for listening. One thing I learned about going downhill are the things you mentioned plus keeping your gaze out front as much as possible. Falls on ice seem to happen way easier if you’re staring at your feet (another AK tip!). I am 65 btw and still hike too :-)

@akwild1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for your concern. It’s not in my face. I carry it there for a couple of reasons: my backpack does not have a hip pocket, and even if it did I wouldn’t carry it there because it would be more likely to get lost. The present location also helps me maintain a visual of a bear when I encounter one rather than having to look away. Appreciate your concern.

@pmm1044 2 месяца назад

Don’t forget the pee bottle…so you don’t have to leave tent at night. There are collapsible wide mouth water bottle you can buy.

@akwild1 2 месяца назад

In other videos I have heard from quite a few pee bottle believers

@hojo70 9 месяцев назад

Tip #1, get your bunions fixed first

@akwild1 9 месяцев назад

Sounds reasonable to me.

@melbanks2271 8 месяцев назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AmDDQAKDQ4A.html

@michaellorenzen8200 4 месяца назад

I disagree with "new" shoes ! no disrespect but I've found out most boots/shoes need a break in period many times if I didn't break in a new pair walking around my house running errands I get lots of blisters ! just sayin' 😊

@akwild1 4 месяца назад

I would agree with you on boots, but hiking shoes generally come softer. On the PCT, I went through six or seven pairs of shoes, and I hit the ground hiking in them, because that was the nature of the trek. You don't have time to break in each pair of shoes on a through hike. You also shouldn't buy your shoes ahead of time because your feet swell during a long-distance trek, and you might have to bump up a size or two during the hike as I did. I guess it's somewhat subjective, but hiking shoes are different from hiking boots as far as break-in requirements, as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for your comment.

@michaellorenzen8200 4 месяца назад

@@akwild1 when I worked as a commercial carpenter I would always buy 2 pairs of boots I would flip flop every 2 days religiously because of leather not breathing well my last pairs before retirement were Danner Ultralight 2 now I'm going to start a PCT with a pair of Hoka Clifton 9 and Topo Pursuit both are feather weight and the pack I have can accommodate both and I understand that I will be purchasing more shoes along the way one thing I have noticed is that nobody suggests what type of shoe works better in different sections of the hike if you have any input please share thank you ✌️

@akwild1 4 месяца назад

@@michaellorenzen8200Hi Michael, Congrats on your plans to hike the PCT. I met the lady this past summer who achieved the female FKT for the PCT, and she carried an extra pair of shoes along the trail, sort of like what you mentioned. She said each of her shoes had different pressure points, and it behooved her to vary the fit and feel of her shoes as she was hiking 40-50 mile days, a feat well beyond my ability. I settled on Hoka Speedgoats. During 2022 and 2023 when I hiked the trail, these shoes worked well in all conditions and terrain. Zero drops were losers for me, but other hikers swore by them. If I had hiked the Sierra last year, I probably would have used some kind of boot, like my Merrel's (broken in) in the Sierra section due to all the snow. This winter appears mild by last year's standard, so you might be able to use trail runners the entire way. The Hokas did great in the San Jacintos, Sierra, and Washington. Before I hit the trail in 2022, I tried five different types of shoes before settling on the Hokas. I think it's a great idea that you are giving a lot of thought to your shoes and feet. Around 30 percent of PCT hikers drop out during the first 300 miles, primarily due to foot or leg injuries.